This year alone, Atletico Madrid lost at home to Levante and scraped narrow victories against Cadiz, Rayo Vallecano, Valencia and Getafe. Out of those wins, the latter two needed the Rojiblancos to score late, late winners. Although it’s a testament to the team’s character and attitude, the fans wouldn’t mind an occasional comfortable win with no fuss. Will today’s home game against Deportivo Alaves be one of those?Diego Simeone is counting on Joao Felix and Mario Hermoso to deliver the goods upon their return following minor injuries. Felix has picked up a niggle while helping his national team of Portugal book a place in Qatar. Hermoso, meanwhile, missed training on Thursday but should be fit for this La Liga match at Metropolitano.In the 10 years he has been at Atletico, Diego Simeone has seen a lot of managers come and go for Real Madrid and Barcelona 🤯 pic.twitter.com/bxUtlYMWqT— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) April 1, 2022 Simeone will have to make do without quite a few players, however. Hector Herrera, Angel Correa and Koke are all out, either because of injury or because of suspensions.Atleti are probably not going to retain the title they won last season, but a place in the next edition of the UEFA Champions League is a must for the red and whites.On the other side, Alaves are looking for a victory that would bring them closer to the safety zone, which is currently five points away. Jose Luis Mendilibar’s players are aware that the time is running out and that they will have to start putting some points on the board as soon as possible. Countries with the most players in the top 5 European leagues – Senegal in the top 10Apart from the prospect of relegation, the Basque Country team is facing the departure of their top striker Joselu. The former Stoke City and Newcastle United man has announced that he won’t extend his contract with the club and that he’ll leave at the end of the season as a free agent. Espanyol are the favourites to land the experienced goalscorer. Joselu would love to score tonight, mind. He started his football career with Real Madrid, Atletico’s biggest rivals. He’s got a chance to leave as a hero!LA LIGA – ROUND 30SaturdayGetaffe – Mallorca x-x (0-0)/Mayoral 82/17.15: (4.00) Levante (3.60) Villareal (2.00)19.30: (4.00) Celta (3.45) Real Madrid (1.95)22.00: (1.38) Atl.Madrid (4.60) Alaves (9.00)Sunday15.00: (1.53) Ath.Bilbao (4.10) Elche (7.75)17.15: (2.10) Betis (3.50) Osasuna (3.80)19.30: (1.90) Valencia (3.40) Cadiz (4.30)19.30: (2.65) Granada (3.05) Rayo Vallecano (2.85)22.00: (1.53) Barcelona (4.10) Sevilla (6.50)*** odds are subject to change
